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Alice + Olivia Opens in East Hampton

I wasn’t the only thing to hit the Hamptons this weekend… alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet opened a new store right in the shopping mecca of East Hamptons on Main street.

Just in time for the crowds of Memorial Day weekend, “We return!” says Stacey Bendet, “Our first store ever was in east, then we moved down south and now we are back!”  Located in a 1,350 square foot space at 48 Main Street, I couldn’t resist but do a little pop by and indulge in a new outfit.

What do you think? Nothing like a colorful pair of printed shorts and silk tank to brighten up my wardrobe.

Coming this Fall: Roberto Cavalli “Wild Diva” Special Edition Sunglasses

“An earthly paradise populated by creatures of fantasy…the Eden of femininity…my creativity is expressed through clothes which make the Cavalli woman a sensual and mysterious being.” – Roberto CavalliThat said, I want to be a creature of fantasy, a mysterious being — in these sunglasses.

Roberto Cavalli and Marcolin presented the Special Edition Sunglasses Collection for their Fall/Winter 2012-13 women’s fashion show so we can expect their arrival in the coming months. Consider them added to the wish list!

From everyone at Pretty Connected… we salute you!

Montblanc Debuts Princesse Grace de Monaco Fine Jewelry Collection in US

When I think of Mont Blanc, I automatically think pens and watches (and a mountain range I’d very much like to see). Although the luxury brand also has an extensive fine jewelry line as well which is making it’s debut in North America. In addition to a classic jewelry collection, Mont Blanc has created a special Princesse Grace de Monaco (or as many of us Americans refer to her as, Grace Kelly) Collection. Paying tribute to the elegance and iconic legacy of Princess of Monaco, the collection is filled with timeless, delicate pieces available in different golds with diamond accents. I’m particularly found of the infinity necklace!

{The Princesse Grace de Monaco collection}

{Montblanc classic collection — featuring their iconic logo}

Mont Blanc also has a more affordable line — it was explained to me as more of an “impulse purchase” collection, filled with very funky pieces.

Travel Smart with T.J.Maxx and Marshalls

As a Bostonian I grew up on T.J.Maxx and Marshalls (they too are Boston-born) and the funny part about being in New York is now, I rarely go to the ones in the city. However, whenever I’m home visiting the family I somehow inevitably end up at one or the other. Mainly, because my local T.J.Maxx is located in Fresh Pond, right next to Whole Foods. While my mom shops groceries, I’m next door walking the TJMaxx aisles…

{Inside Marshalls – Summer beach essentials for kids and adults}

It’s amazing how much retailer has changed in the past decade — for starters they now have an extensive designer section; I’ve seen everything from Prada, Ferregamo and YSL bags to Alice and Olivia, J Brand, Marc Jacobs and Missioni clothes. (I’ve even seen Chanel.)

{I spy YSL bag at Marshalls NYC}

So last week T.J.Maxx and Marshalls hosted a Summer Travel event to take my fellow writers and I on a tour of their NYC locations (which are right on top of each other on 23rd and 6th Ave). The lovely style experts and TJMaxx/Marshalls spokeswomen, Lilliana Vazquez and Pamela Pekerman walked us through retailers, pointing out some great summer style and travel essentials for the whole family (including your pets!). Oh the treasures we found! First off with Mother’s Day around the corner, you may want to pop your head in considering they have a vast assortment of giftable items and a jewelry section (at roughly 60% off retail).

{Shopping gifts at T.J.Maxx with Lilliana Vazquez — how cute are those color-blocking shoes?}

{Shopping Marshalls with Pamela Pekerman – again, I’m all about the shoes!}

{Pet-friendly travel packs and gifts!}

{Pretty in pink — I spy a really hot Ralph Lauren bag!}

We played a little Price is Right — and I won an amazing new yellow Abro bag (I guessed correctly it was priced at $129.99 — original retail was $230), while the lovely Amanda (from FashionIndie.com) won a set of Skullcandy UPROC headphones.

{Amanda and I holding up our big Marshalls wins!}

I for one, am about to embark on some MAJOR travels — that’s right, on Saturday I depart for Beirut and Italy! Two places I’ve never been and took my lovely hosts advice and took the opportunity to do a little shopping.

First off, I needed new luggage. My requirements were a durable, carry-on friendly suitcase that had 360 wheel spin and was colorful! While I’m not big on logos, I am big on Diane von Furstenberg and scored a bright orange DVF carry-on with a 10 year warranty! Best part, I got it for $69.99 ( it originally retails for $300!!).

Next, I needed a good over the shoulder medium-size purse that I could beat up without feeling guilty about and has a compartment for my passport. Victoire! I found this white Steve Madden bag for $39.99 (compare at $88).

My bags are packed, I’m ready to go!

Bon Voyage!

Disclaimer: PC won the Abro bag, and received a $50 gift card as part of the gift bag — the remaining balance of DVF suitcase and Steve Madden bag was paid for by PC.

Pat Fields Hosts a BBQ + Announces New Store Opening in May!

While I had an amazing weekend in DC (come on, I got to cover the WHCD!), there was one little detail in NY that had me oh so missing the big apple… On Sunday, infamous style hero, Patricia Fields (who’s accolades include costume designer for Sex and The City and The Devil Wears Prada) through a “Global Warming Sun Set BBQ” to celebrate the warm weather and the opening of her new store in May!

Fortunately I was able to transfer my invite to stylist/blogger, Tiffany Piñero to cover the festivities for us!

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{Tiffany parties it up with Patricia Fields!! — look at Pat’s rockstar red hair!}

Mega stylist Patricia Field and me, obviously I’m living for that moment.

On Sunday I had the spectacular opportunity {thanks to Lara at Pretty Connected} to attend The House of Field’s Global Warming Sunset BBQ to celebrate the warm season approaching and their new shop opening at the end of May! Fabulous weather was on the guest list, so the rooftop at 230 Fifth was even more extraordinary. Palm trees were grooving, avant-garde style was a plenty and Pat Field was in the house rocking out with the best of ‘em. My fab friend M fromBelles and Rebelles came with me {you can see her in my photos below, she is wearing the electric blue glasses and AH-MAZING costume jewels} and we had a ball absorbing all the fashion fever and unending fierceness.

How was that for a boat load of unique styling inspiration. House of Field’s guests were not fooling around.

The fact that I was able to meet THE WOMAN who has changed the face of styling , from Sex and the City to Devil Wears Prada and beyond… I am just, beyond. She was so cool, and so much fun, I was thrilled to join in the Global Warming festivities with such a cutting edge crowd. Looking forward to the opening of the new store, stay tuned for that!

TOUS Jewelry Now and Fall

Have you ever been to TOUS (you know the jewelry/handbag store with the bear logo)? They have a few stores in NYC (one in Soho the other on 5th Avenue). After seeing their new collections from this year, you’re going to want to!

I took a tour through their the new Spring/Summer collection which is now launching in stores as well as a sneak peek into the Fall/Winter collection, which will be available later in the year. Complete contrast between the two lines; S/S explores the ethereal beauty of Africa mixing their signature jewels with a variety of medals, woods and beads, while F/W is all about hidden treasures and discovering secret sparkles and jewels.

{Spring/Summer collection}

{My favorites are these 18Kt yellow gold and sterling silver bi-laminated earrings with ebony!}

{Sterling silver and black methacrylate cuffs}
{Bi-laminated earrings with faceted tourmalines and sterling silver chain and pendant necklace}
{Spring/Summer is now available in stores!}

{Fall/Winter collection}

 Fall/Winter sealed the deal from me. I’m so in love with this collection… and have completely fallen for this diamond ring! It flips to form a cover so it can be worn casually or full on glam engagement ring. Seriously though, how cool is this engagement ring???

{If you happen to have $25k laying around and want to be bound to me for life…}

{Delicate chandelier earring and necklace set}

{I admire their detail…}

 {Love, love, love this set of thick gold with little diamonds in it}

{What’s more regal then a large green ring?}

{Handbags}

Based in Spain, TOUS originated in 1920 as a watch-repair shop and has now expanded to offer an extensive line of jewelry and handbags in stores around the world. What I like most about the brand is they work in various medals, sterling silver and gold making many of their classic designs available at a range of price points making it affordable to a wide range of customers.

Learn more at Tous.com

Support Blondes vs. Brunettes: Fashion Bloggers unite!

Go BvB!! You know you want this shirt... (get it HERE)

While I’ve done several beauty and fashion partnerships, this was the first month where I was recognized in a national campaign by a beauty brand for my volunteer work — and for that I  am really honored to have had all of your support.

I do like to use my site to highlight ways for my readers to get more involved and support their community, which is why I’m excited to join my fellow fashion bloggers in support of Blondes vs. Brunettes.

Blondes vs. Brunettes, is a flag football game that pits blondes vs. brunettes to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.  Last year alone, the New York chapter raised over $100,000, contributing to already $1,000,000 the organization has raised between nationally towards research.

Alzheimer’s is a cause close to my heart. I had a very difficult month with the passing of my grandmother. And while

A Night with Fashion Star’s Nichole Richie and John Varvatos at H&M

H&M celebrated NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’ last night with a very fun bash at their Fifth Avenue location! Hosted by Nicole Richie (sigh, I love her) and John Varvatos (double sigh, I love his suits on men); they screened a sneak peek of the latest new episode while the drinks were-a-pouring and the waiters were serving up just about every type of dessert you could ask for.

{Fashion Star mentors,  John Varvatos and Nicole Richie  –love, love, love}

{H&M buyer Nicole Christie with Nicole Richie, John Varvatos}

{Nicole Christie works that dress! — It’s available at H&M!}

{Now that’s a party!}

{Full screen Fashion Star showing — too bad there was no audio (or bag big enough to fit that projector in!)}

{Photo booth! Sometimes James loves me, other times he’s ready to strangle me}

{‘Fashion Star’ contestants: Kara Laricks, Nikki Poulos, Ronnie Escalante}

Fashion Star” is a new reality tv series which gives 14 unknown designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America’s largest retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. Hosted by Elle Macpherson, along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, every week these designers debut their collection to these respective retailers in hopes of having their designs produced. If the buyers buys their design, it’s available the next morning at their department store for purchase.

Tune into NBC for Fashion Star Tuesdays at 10/9c

Ann Taylor Fall 2012 Collection Preview

Walking through the soon-to-be fall collection for Ann Taylor, I felt a very 60s vibe from the line. Far from anything hippy, I’m talking 60s Parisian professional mixed with some very Pan Am-like pieces. Leopard also seems to be the print of choice for the season, which was styled against red gives it a great pop!

This is the first season Ann Taylor is experimenting with printed pants (which have a little stretch), and are continuing to expand on their bridal collection.

My eye immediately went to the most amazing leather weekender bag (comes in black and brown). Turns out it’s modeled after a vintage Ann Taylor bag from the 70s that someone on staff had and it’s so chic they decided to bring it back. I’m so glad they did!

Select pieces from the collection will as soon as August with others arrive between then and November.

{I want this weekender bag!}

{Love the leopard prints against the red contrast}

{Cape with pockets!}

{These pink leather gloves are so chic!}

{Bridal collection launching end of August}

Alberta Ferretti Launches at Macy’s + I make the Macy’s Blog!

Ever since the debut of Karl Lagerfeld’s designer collaboration for Macy’s private label, Impulse, the fashion retailer has been on a roll! This week PC celebrated the launch of Alberta Ferretti first capsule for Impulse, which is now available at Macy’s!

The collection, which was inspired by the Italian coastline comprised of a fun mix of colorful sunny dresses, floral prints, navy and white lace separates and one shoulder dresses in varying lengths.

{Alberta Ferretti for Impulse}

Hosted on the 3rd floor of Macy’s Herald Square, the space for the launch party was transformed to reflect the Amalfi Coast. While pursuing the collection, I received the ultimate compliment — “I love everything about your outfit, can I take your picture?” Turns out it was the Macy’s blogger and next thing I know I’m on their mBLOG!

{Woot woot! I made the Macy’s Blog!}

While I don’t know if I would use the words “too adorbs” in verbatim, that in line with my description for how cute this short strapless sweetheart dress is! I love it in both the solid colorways and floral print.

{Alberta Ferretti for Impulse collection}

Alberta Ferretti for Impulse is available exclusively at Macy’s nationwide and Macys.com